Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1898. Wanted-A Mayor.

Manawatu Herald, 21 October 1893, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1898. Wanted -A Mayor.

In a few weeks time the Burgesses of the Borough will be notified to nominate some fit and proper person for the honourable office of Mayor. Nothing has as yet been mentioned as to upon whom this honour will be thrust, as it appears to need thrusting there being no one who openly declares his desire to fill the office. We believe the trouble arises from candidates being unaware of the intentions of the present holder, for though he has been very firm in asserting that it is not his intention to serve a further time, yet he has said other things which he has deemed wisest to withdraw, and thus though gently declining it is still believed he may be yet persuaded. We hope Mr Nye will publicly announce what he means to do, as if he decides to stand there appears but little doubt that he would have a walk-over. Fai'ing this patriot, what is to be done ? There is a sort of feeling that the position of Mayor should be conceeded to Councillors who have done the State some service by attendance at the meetings, and failing any energetic outsider with pronounced opinions, some such arrangement would ap pear satisfactory. In that case there is one old Councillor who j certainly deserves the reward of that position, and he is the most capable member of the, Council. In case the Mayor decides to 1 retire, we think the Burgesses should ask Councillo r '

■ Williams to allow himself to be nominated, We arc not at ona with him on many points, and we hold that ho erred in his advocacy of further expenditure on the artesian well, but then the Council Was unanimous nn<! therefore, amongst them; there is nought to choose. We have heard it mentioned that the inlonso interest he displays on ;my q:i .stion tlv.u arises For tlteclissLn would ciiisr! him to he a bad cluiiimnii, h;ib ihc sense of responsibility thai the holding of an office casts upon men, curbs impetuosity, and Ihe holder fivq-ieufcly astonishes 1 '"^ friends by his impartiality and decision. At nnyrafco if the choice of a candidate is to b:> made from Councillors it would be manifestly unjust and impolitic to pass over the one who has served the Burgesses longest. We are not urging the selection from the Council, but failing any outsider, it appears as plain as it can be made, that the oldest Councillor is entitled to the first consideration. The first question is, what is the Mayor going to do ?